Japan-Australia Joint Research Project 'GenkiFuture Kyoto Conference' to Launch June 27: Three Days of Innovation at the Intersection of Tradition, Industry, and Advanced Healthcare

The GenkiFuture International Promotion Consortium (Chairperson: Isamu Okada) will host the 'GenkiFuture Kyoto Conference 2026' from Saturday, June 27 to Monday, June 29, 2026, as part of a Japan-Australia joint research project with Deakin University, Australia.

This project aims to enhance physical and mental well-being (Genki) through digital technology and design, and to co-create a rich, dignified future (Future) for all generations by exchanging international knowledge between Japan and Australia.

[Official Website]

https://kryptokyoto.com/

Concept of the 'GenkiFuture Project Kyoto Conference': Sensing → Knowledge → Experience → Implementation

By engaging with Kyoto’s traditional culture and industries—feeling, thinking, and experiencing—the conference will co-create new visions for elderly care between Japan and Australia, translating insights into practical applications. Beyond theoretical discussions, the three-day program offers immersive, multi-sensory experiences to refresh participants’ senses.

[June 27–29 Event] Eat, feel, and reflect: Rethinking gentle living, starting from Kyoto.

The international event 'GenkiFuture Kyoto Conference,' where Japan and Australia join forces to design a future where all generations live healthily and with dignity, will be held at the end of June!

Beyond expert discussions, the event offers diverse programs designed for broad public participation, allowing attendees to experience the future of compassionate living through all five senses. This is a unique opportunity for those interested in family caregiving, traditional Kyoto culture, or food innovation.

★ Special Attendee Gift ★

All attendees will receive a commemorative 'Urushi-Lacquered Care Spoon'!

Use it during tasting sessions across the three days to experience firsthand the gentle mouthfeel and superior functionality unique to authentic Japanese lacquerware.

Day 1 (June 27, evening): Premium Cultural Experience [Tastings & Sampling]

Enjoy live performances of refined jazz and koto (Japanese zither) in a traditional space featuring a Noh stage.

Experience rare tastings, including the world’s first thickened sake 'Totorosake' and soft okonomiyaki from the renowned 'Chibou,' available exclusively at this event.

Day 2 (June 28, daytime): Forum on Wisdom and Technology [Free Admission, Tastings Available]

Showcasing cutting-edge care practices from Japan and Australia, including urushi-lacquered care spoons, tea, tofu, and other artisanal crafts from Kyoto.

Tastings highlighting Kyoto’s traditional craftsmanship are open to all attendees.

Day 2 (June 28, evening): Japan-Australia Networking & Cultural Exchange with Geiko Participation

A networking event for Japanese and Australian participants and experts to build camarader. Geiko will join in the latter half of the program. Enjoy a uniquely Kyoto evening.

Day 3 (June 29): Multi-Sensory Excursion

A special excursion featuring chair meditation at the tranquil Ko-un-ji temple amid fresh greenery, a 'soft kaiseki' meal representing Kyoto’s thickened cuisine, and a VR experience of sushi-making—immersing participants in the future of 'food and care' through all five senses.

Kuzaiya Tofu 'Kyofutari'

Ultimate soft tofu. The pursuit of 'freshly made deliciousness' has led it to meet the international IDDSI (International Dysphagia Diet Standardisation Initiative) Level 4 (Pureed) standard.

Key Programs and Highlights by Day

[Day 1] June 27 (Sat) Theme: Sensing

Opening Event: Innovation Forum & Premium Jazz Night

Venue: Okazaki-an (Okazaki, Sakyo Ward, Kyoto City)

Time: 18:00–22:00

Admission: ¥5,500 (light meal and drinks included)

Part 1: Innovation Forum (Frontiers of Barrier-Free Dining)

• Origins of 'Soft Gastronomy' through the World’s First Thickened Sake:

Master brewer Toshiaki Matsumi, who developed the world’s first thickened sake 'Totorosake' to allow people with swallowing disorders to enjoy sake until the end of life, joins Professor Yukiyo Yamane from Asahikawa Medical University. They discuss the convergence of traditional craftsmanship and medical expertise.

• 'Okonomiyaki as a Lifelong Meal':

A dialogue on the future of food, featuring Osaka’s legendary 'Chibou' tackling authentic care food for the elderly, with real sensory evaluation by Professor Yamane.

• Exhibits, Tastings, and Sampling:

Experience rare side-by-side tastings of 'Totorosake' versus its original sake, and savor Chibou’s okonomiyaki, showcasing advanced texture control technology.

• Moderator (Chaired by):

Hideki Arakane (Chairman, Kyoto Care Food Promotion Council / Chief, Department of Gastrointestinal Surgery, Yamashina Hospital / Medical Doctor)

• Speakers:

Yukiyo Yamane (Professor, Asahikawa Medical University / Certified Nurse in 'Swallowing and Feeding Disorders')

Toshiaki Matsumi (Developer of 'Totorosake' / Master Brewer preserving traditional techniques)

Atsushi Kobayashi (CEO, Karin Pharmacy / Pharmacist, Ph.D. in Pharmacy, Chemistry perspective)

Hirokazu Ogawa (Head, Food Creation Division, Chibou Holdings Co., Ltd.)

Hitomi Egaya (Executive Director, Fukunaoh Co., Ltd. / Pioneer in Care Food Development)

Part 2: Premium Live Performance & Reception

An ensemble embodying harmony through diversity, featuring New York-style jazz vocals and the traditional Japanese koto.

• Performers:

NY Jazz Vocalist 'Songbird TAeKO' Taeko Fukio (Vocals/Koto) Michi Fujii (Trumpet) Ryuichi Fujiyama (Guitar)

[Day 2] June 28 (Sun) Theme: Knowledge

Main Conference: 'The Future of Wellbeing' – Where Japanese and Australian Insights Converge

Venue: Okazaki-an

Time: 10:00–17:30

Admission: Free

• Global Insights Session:

Frontline researchers from Slovenia, Australia, and Japan will discuss how technology fosters 'warmth and connection'—covering tourism wellbeing, human-centered AI, social robots, and VR in isolated environments (with simultaneous interpretation).

Project Leader: Dr. Kaja Antlej (Senior Lecturer, Deakin University)

• Technology Exhibits & Light Lunch:

VR dementia experience simulator, care robots, lacquerware, and chopstick displays.

• Speakers:

Isamu Okada (Chairperson, GenkiFuture International Promotion Consortium)

Kaja Antlej (Senior Lecturer, Deakin University, Australia / Project Leader)

Dejan Krizaj (Associate Professor, University of Primorska, Slovenia)

Bahareh Nakisa (Senior Lecturer, RMIT University, Australia)

Tae E. Kameda (Professor, Soka Women’s Junior College)

Kunio Shirataki (Professor, Japan Advanced Institute of Science and Technology / Center for Knowledge Innovation)

Kotaro Nakamura (President, Ei